Sticky wicketCricket jargon for a pitch that has a yielding surface because it is wet. This makes the balls turn sharply. As a metaphor “to bat (or be) on a sticky wicket” is to contend with great difficulties. 1952: “It must be clearly understood that Mr Churchill was batting on a very sticky wicket in Washington.” Since cricket pitches are now covered, sticky wickets seldom occur on the pitch. But they survive as archaisms in the word cupboard.

GarryowenAn “Up and Under” kick at rugby football. The ball is punted high, and the forwards chase to arrive as